Local Schools Earn Top Ratings During 2015 Music Performance Assessment

The mission of the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) is to promote and support band programs in the state of Florida by providing opportunities for in-service growth, program evaluation and student performance.

True to its mission, local bands had a chance to measure up their musical skills and talents during the annual FBA District 7 Music Performance Assessment competition held last month at Riverview High School.

The event featured 27 high schools boasting of nearly 2,700 student-musicians including local bands representing Bloomingdale Newsome, Riverview, East Bay, Lennard, Durant, Armwood, Strawberry Crest and Brandon, to name a few who have performed with the highest measure of commitment, dedication and heart.

The six judges rated each band in five categories such as Marching/Maneuvering; General Effect; Music; Auxiliary and Percussion.

At the end of the day, 17 bands earned Superior rating, among them Newsome, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Durant and Riverview, while Strawberry Crest earned Excellent followed by East Bay, and Lennard earning Good.

None of the bands earned less than a Good rating, demonstrating the caliber and hard work of all District 7 student-musicians and band directors.